For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.
1I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue.
I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.”
2I was mute with silence.
I held my peace, even from good.
My sorrow was stirred.
3My heart was hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned.
I spoke with my tongue:
4“Lord, show me my end,
what is the measure of my days.
Let me know how frail I am.
5Behold, You have made my days hand widths.
My lifetime is as nothing before You.
Surely every man stands as a breath.” Selah.
6“Surely every man walks like a shadow.
Surely they busy themselves in vain.
He heaps up, and doesn’t know who shall gather.
7Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Don’t make me the reproach of the foolish.
9I was mute.
I didn’t open my mouth,
because You did it.
10Remove Your scourge away from me.
I am overcome by the blow of Your hand.
11When You rebuke and correct man for iniquity,
You consume his wealth like a moth.
Surely every man is but a breath.” Selah.
12“Hear my prayer, Lord, and give ear to my cry.
Don’t be silent at my tears.
For I am a stranger with You,
a foreigner, as all my fathers were.
13Oh spare me, that I may recover strength,
before I go away and exist no more.”